Brian Himmelman is more than a State Farm Insurance agent. He has lived in the Evergreen area for over 30 years and understands the community. Having graduated from Evergreen High School, and after finishing his degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango, he returned to his home to build a business. He’s been married to his lovely wife for 21 years and his sons AJ and Tyler are now both attending college themselves.

Brian’s team provides the best solutions for everyday insurance needs and comprehensive financial planning. They proudly serve the communities of Evergreen, Conifer, Bailey, Pine and Fairplay by offering an extensive line of insurance and financial services. Whatever your insurance needs, Brian and his team will offer the information you need to make a solid decision.

In addition to building a solid and successful business, Brian believes in volunteering in the community. He is a member of Conifer Kiwanis, and sits on the Board of Directors for Blue Spruce Kiwanis and Mount Evans Hospice. He’s also embraced his love of baseball by coaching kids’ teams longtime in the Evergreen/Conifer area. Brian is continuing his “give back” mentality by once again sponsoring The Big Chili Cook-Off, giving of himself to support our volunteer firefighters. Thanks, Brian! We love that! You can learn more about what Brian Himmelman has to offer by checking his website here.

You don’t ever want to be in a situation where you need an emergency service worker to help you. But when you’re having an emergency that you can’t handle yourself, it is such a relief to have someone else take it into his or her capable hands.

Some of you are aware that at The Big Chili Cook-Off, the Director (who had worked herself to the point of exhaustion the previous few days) became ill. The Big Chili Board of Directors and the Director of the Cook-Off would like to thank Evergreen first responders who offered medical assistance and transport to the hospital. They took care of her and it is greatly appreciated.

Thankfully, she did not require use of the helicopter. But the picture is still fabulous!

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Everything Blue Spruce Kiwanis does is for this community – they volunteer here in a variety of organizations, and they are committed to the youth and schools of our mountain community. It is because of Blue Spruce Kiwanis consistency in volunteering throughout the community that so many people were willing to give back by volunteering for one of their biggest events ~ The Big Chili Cook-Off.

Thank you Blue Spruce Kiwanis! And thank you to all the students from the local schools who volunteered at the event. You are a truly great group of kids!

The Big Chili Cook-Off would like to thank two new sponsors who have come on board in support of our local area firefighters.

Evergreen Rentals – meeting all your rental needs from tools & equipment to parties and events – will be providing two jump castles for our children’s area at the event. By providing the castles, they’re also providing fun for the little ones, because almost every child loves to bounce around in a padded room with other kiddos (ahhh – the freedom of childhood!)

The Center for the Arts Evergreen brings art and the community together through art classes, exhibitions, art festivals, lectures and performances. They will be providing a craft for our kids at the event – stop by and let your little one make something.

We are especially thankful to these sponsors because they are providing activities for our children. Blue Spruce Kiwanis, who brings you The Big Chili Cook-Off, is all about children. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. “Kiwanis is for Kids…. Here, There and Everywhere!” If you’re unfamiliar with the Kiwanis, take a moment to check out all the amazing things they do in this community!

The Evergreen Rodeo Parade begins the fun of rodeo weekend in Evergreen. Each year, up to 100 marching bands, floats, horses, carriages, antique cars and farm equipment pass by the lake and through downtown. This fun and fabulous event starts at 10 A.M., this Saturday, June 18th.

Starting at 7 A.M. the morning of the parade, the Blue Spruce Kiwanis is hosting a scrumptious pancake breakfast. Under the shade of the towering cottonwoods along Bear Creek right downtown, they provide an all-you-care-to-eat pancake breakfast to cowboys and cowgirls of all ages. So hop on your horse (or whatever mode of transportation you choose that morning), get your fill of flapjacks, and stake out your seat for the “When the West was Fun” extravaganza!

When we endeavor to put together an event like the Big Chili, we are taking on a mass of planning and logistics that require careful attention and a lot of man hours. The day of the event comes together with the efforts of many volunteers, over 200, all people committed to helping our volunteer firefighters, and excited about being a part of this mammoth mountain celebration. The Big Chili Board of Directors, all volunteers themselves, are pleased to welcome Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity to the mix for the event day. Habitat will be filling the role of Hospitality Engineers on September 11th, and their contribution will make the day better than ever before. They will be there to help cooks, artists and attendees find their way to the right places, as well as see that things are moving along as they should, with all the details taken care of. The Blue Spruce Kiwanis, hosts of the Big Chili, spend man hours and make cash donations to the Blue Spruce Habitat organization and are thrilled to have them coming alongside in the Big Chili effort. We all do better when we work together. Thank you, Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity for doing what you do best and leading by example.